Eight skydivers made a timely exit from a plane just moments before it crashed, resulting in the unfortunate death of pilot Paul Smith, 54, in New South Wales, Australia.
The skydivers safely parachuted from the aircraft at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet, narrowly escaping the crash that occurred in the town of Moruya. NSW Police Inspector Justin Marks disclosed that the plane came to a halt in dense bushland near George Bass Drive, with one of its wings resting on the road itself.
Paul Smith, a veteran skydiver with nearly 40 years of experience, held over 10,000 hours as a pilot in command. His significant contributions to the sport were acknowledged when he received the prestigious title of Master of Sport Parachuting from the Australian Parachute Federation last year.
Tragically, Mr. Smith was the sole occupant of the aircraft at the time of the crash, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have cordoned off the area as a crime scene for further examination, with plans to submit a detailed report to the coroner.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated an investigation into the crash, focusing on determining the causes and evaluating safety protocols leading up to the incident. The ATSB has dispatched a team of transportation safety specialists to the crash site for a comprehensive investigation, utilizing drones for site surveys and collecting wreckage for further analysis at their technical facilities.
While it is currently premature to ascertain any airborne issues, witnesses reported hearing unusual noises and observing erratic flight patterns prior to the crash. Chief commissioner Angus Mitchell confirmed that the single-engine Pilatus Porter plane, which had been in operation in Australia for only a month, originated from Switzerland in 1980 and was imported from New Zealand after undergoing substantial maintenance checks.
The aircraft had been engaged in multiple jumps in the weeks leading up to the crash, indicating no apparent issues before the tragic incident.
